Have you ever heard someone refer to a body type? If not, I am sorry, because knowing your body type will help you identify various problems in your quest for goals. To start, there are 3 somatypes (Body types): Ectomorph, Mesomorph, and Endomorph. These were developed as part of the theory of constitutional psychology by William Sheldon (Though the study of Body Types goes as far back as B.C.E.). While those familiar with the theory may know that this study is generally considered “dated,” it is still widely referenced in the worlds of fitness and bodybuilding. It’s worth noting that you can be a mixture of two types, but some believe that this can’t be– That you can only be a “pure” type. Moving on! By reading about each type, you’ll be able to determine which you are.
An Ectomorph (Ecto, for short) is someone who possesses the following characteristics:
- Narrow Hips and Shoulders
- Thin Legs and Arms
- Very Little (To None) body fat
- Thin and Narrow Chest and Abdomen
- Small Bone and Joint Structure
- Ultra Fast Metabolism
Ectos are those people who are naturally cut, even though they have very little muscle. It is incredibly difficult for them to gain weight as their metabolism moves so quickly.
A Mesomorph (Meso, for short) is someone who possesses the following characteristics:
- Large Head, Broad Shoulders and a Narrow Waist
- Gains Muscle Easily
- Gains Fat More Easily Than Ectos
- Very Little Body Fat
- Naturally Muscular Body
Mesos are the envy of almost everyone at the gym. They are typically very cut, very muscular people who have to exert very little effort to gain weight, lose fat, and stay within those goals. Mesos are considered genetically gifted as their body is naturally wired to be very lean and muscular.
On a tangent. . . There’s a bit of advice that bodybuilders will often remind many people of: “Never ask for advice from the really cut guy at the gym.” Chances are, he’s a mesomorph who has to work only 1/10th as hard as you to see more results than you.
An Endomorph (Endo, for short) is someone who possesses the following characteristics:
- Wide Hips and Narrow Shoulders
- Wide Bone Structure
- Slow Metabolism
- Gains Muscle and Fat Very Easily
- Difficult to Lose Fat
- Soft and Round Body
- Often Possess Slim Ankles and Wrists
An Endo is someone who has a very difficult time losing weight, and typically, is naturally overweight. While they have plenty of muscle naturally, they also have a lot of fat naturally, which hides this fact.
You can also be a mixture, but there are only two of these mixed types possible: Ecto-Mesomorph, and Endo-Mesomorph.
Now, keep in mind that this is the very small role that genetics plays in this. While you can’t change your type, anyone can change their appearance. . . Knowing your body type just tells you whether or not you’ll have a difficult time or not.
Based on the information, I’m a Meso-Endomorph (Almost exclusively Endo), and Alissa is an Endomorph. . . What are you?
Here is a great article on how to tailor your nutrition and workout plan to your body type. This will also be put in the “Links” section.